Green beaded bracelets and sisterhood.

Oh yes, this is indeed the Heather Christian you know and hopefully love.

I am in fact wearing long pants. Notice however the rebel in me still wore

my cowboy boots. I wore pants for Valentina. Oh, that is not a sacrifice Heather you are thinking to yourself. Big deal. Well, it is a big deal. I haven't wore pants in at least 10 years. Shorts/Skorts etc. Nothing on my legs even in the winter and even when there is snow on the ground. One of the only things Valentina asked me was if I would "Please wear pants to her funeral." How can I turn down a dying friend? I said "Sure" forgetting that I'm claustrophobic to pants. Heavy breathing, feeling enclosed, not able to get the fabric off of my legs etc. It felt weird. Really weird. I would have walked through fire for her so I reckon pants was a small promise to keep. If you think you will see me again in pants I have something to say... "Dream on."

The funeral was today. Thus the need for pants. It was a Catholic service. This was my first Catholic funeral. So different than anything I have been to before. Lots of sitting and standing with the pants rubbing against my legs. Sacrifice so small for a person so great. Sergio stood up at the end and thanked everyone for loving his mother as much as we all obviously did. I miss her here. I don't miss seeing the pain in her eyes, the fight that brought her to her knees, I miss the smiles.

****Green sisterhood bracelets****

The last smile that I saw was when Erica gave her and I all three matching green crystal beaded bracelets she had made. Bracelet sisters and she smiled and the whole room lit up. That was the last smile I saw. When I went to "View" the body of my dear friend the morticians had so thoughtfully left the bracelet on and made sure it was not tucked up under her lapel. I walked up and saw the bracelet glistening and it matched mine and I felt her love once more. I don't know what is to become of the green bracelets. I plan to wear mine until the beads corrrode off or it breaks. It is a reminder of how she touched my life. No, I'm not making it an idol, just a reminder.

Through out this whole thing we have had the best hospice nurses. Tiffany is the one that brought us the most comfort and knowledge. She made us feel at peace and comfortable with our endeavors. I can't thank her enough. It was scary at times and she was the calm voice on the other end of the phone. Thanks be to Tiffany. This is officially the last "Valentina only" blog. I feel at peace. I could not have taken such good care of her without Erica. Erica was there every step of the way. I thank God for Erica every day. I will miss Valentina, but today when I sat in my chair next to Erica (After changing my clothes of course) I felt at peace. I got to tell you, Peace is priceless.

With that I wish you ado.